UK woman diagnosed with cervical cancer after being refused a smear test

Cardiff woman Abigail Howes has shared her story of being diagnosed with cervical cancer after being denied a pap smear test because of her age.

In Wales, the 'smear testing age' is 25. At 22, Howes began experiencing abnormal bleeding, fatigue and lower back pain, which doctors put down to her contraception use or even a possible STI.

After her symptoms became more pronounced, she recalls requesting a smear test.

"I was told that due to being under the age of 25, I could not have one - and that my symptoms were nothing to be concerned about," she wrote for Wales Online.

(Facebook)

After persisting and finding a doctor who would go through with the test, Howes was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016.

"I was completely devastated upon hearing the news, but also thankful that I finally had an answer as to what had been causing all these symptoms for so long," she wrote.

The then-22-year-old went through a few operations to move the cancer from her cervix, avoiding a full hysterectomy.

Howes explained she now undertakes regular pap smears and MRIs to ensure the cancer doesn't return.

Australia began phasing out pap smears in 2017 in favour of cervical screening tests. (iStock)

"Looking back now, I am still coming to terms with the fact that I had a cancer that is so preventable," she said.

"I have struggled since with anxiety and I am constantly having to deal with thoughts that the cancer will return."

In 2017, the Australian government committed to phasing out pap smear tests in favour of the cervical screening test. This test, which begins screening women at the age of 25 every five years, scans for instances of the human papillomavirus (HPV) – a virus linked to causing of most types of cervical cancer.

According to the RACGP guidelines, further testing including a cervical cytology test, is recommended for patients who experience any of the abnormal bleeding symptoms like Howes did.